Chelsea were fined €49,500 by UEFA in March for bringing the game into disrepute over the Anders Frisk affair – less than half a week’s wages for one of the top players.

There was also criticism that Italian side Inter Milan were given a four-match stadium ban for a second offence of crowd trouble instead of being kicked out of the Champions League.

For some seemingly more trivial offences however UEFA have taken a harsh line. For example if any club fields an ineligible player in European competition, even for five minutes as a substitute, they forfeit the match with a 3-0 defeat marked against them.

UEFA’s executive committee will discuss the issue of disciplinary penalties at a meeting in Manchester on Friday and although no formal decision will be taken at this stage, they will be told by officials that the current system needs a complete overhaul.

A source close to UEFA told the Press Association: “Fines will be a deterrent for poorer clubs or national associations but everyone knows that nowadays they do not affect the richer ones at all.

“For example a fine for Chelsea or for a rich association such as England or Italy does not hurt them at all.

“UEFA are keen not to be seen to be soft on misbehaviour, particularly in the light of the Anders Frisk affair and what happened with Inter.

“The executive committee will be asked to consider using sporting sanctions much more often – points deductions or match forfeits that will really hit those who misbehave where it hurts.”

UEFA’s chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson is the man driving the move to change the system.

He is especially keen to stamp out the outspoken criticism of referees of the sort that landed Chelsea and their manager Jose Mourinho in trouble after his stinging attacks on Frisk were followed by the Swedish official retiring after death threats from Blues fans.